About the author
Frank Moore was a journalist and Revolutionary historian. He published a number of books on the American Revolution during his career in the mid-19th century, including Songs and Ballads of the American Revolution, Diary of the American Revolution and The Patriot Preachers of the American Revolution.
These verses were published in the Royal Gazette, in March, 1779, as “A Song, written by a refugee on reading the King’s speech, and sung at the Refugee Club, in the city of New York, to the tune “Hearts of Oak”
Refugee Club Song
HERE’S a bumper, brave boys, to the health of our king, Long may he live, and long may we sing,
In praise of a monarch who boldly defends
The laws of the realm, and the cause of his friends.
Then cheer up, my lads, we have nothing to fear,
While we remain steady,
And always keep ready,
To add to the trophies of this happy year.
The Congress did boast of their mighty ally,
But George does both France and the Congress defy; And when Britons unite, there’s no force can withstand Their fleets and their armies, by sea and on land.
Thus supported, our cause we will ever maintain,
And all treaties with rebels will ever disdain;
Till reduc’d by our arms, they are forc’d to confess,
While ruled by Great Britain they ne’er knew distress.
Then let us, my boys, Britain’s right e’er defend,
Who regards not her rights, we esteem not our friend;
Then, brave boys, we both France and the Congress defy,
And we’ll fight for Great Britain and George till we die,
Then cheer up, my lads, we have nothing to fear,
While we remain steady,
And always keep ready,
To add to the trophies of this happy year.
